Raise your hand if you have ever been a victim of self sabotage?
Oh good. Join the club.
Proud of it? No, of course not. But I have yet to meet a single person who sets a BIG goal for themselves and never has just a little bit of self doubt that sometimes leads to destruction. So let’s go over two ways you may be sabotaging your progress.
1. Self doubt. Yea, I already said that and I am saying it again. Our mindset might be the strongest muscle we house. The stories and beliefs that we feed our mind dictate our results. The second you start telling yourself you are “too busy, too tired, too broke, too broken, too overwhelmed, too XYZ” to work toward your big goal your behaviors change. Your discipline changes. Your motivation changes. When you stop believing in yourself, your purpose and the potential outcome, you take steps back to your comfy, cozy and warm safe place. Results don’t live in your comfy, cozy and warm safe place. You know that.
2. Fear. Something inside of that self doubt starts to make us think about what life could be like if we do reach our goal. Who will we have to become? How will we act? What will be different about life? Are you sure that is who you want to be? Are you sure that is how you want to act? What if people don’t like that? What if you don’t keep it up? What will people say and think? What if you give it your all and you fail? Focusing on the what if scenario is a great way to sabotage your potential
So cool, Meagan, thanks for telling me what my problem is. How do I change that?
My famous answer, it depends.
How serious are you about your desired result?
Does it keep you up at night?
Does it weigh on you day in and day out?
WHY is it important to you? Not many people are willing to do the work to discover this and it matters! How is your current situation impacting your life, your body, the people around you? What would be different about life if you worked toward improving your current situation? Figure this out and make it emotional and important enough to dig in.
So here is my best advise:
1. Keep your desired result crystal clear and keep it in front of you.
- Example: I am going to wear the size 6 dress to my son's wedding this summer so that I can feel confident and proud in the pictures that will be an eternal memory of a special day.
- Example: I am going to lose 3 pounds per month this year so that I can feel better in my clothes and be healthier for my upcoming retirement.
- Example: I am going to commit to a strength training program so that I don’t have to put my kids through the emotional stress of caring for a weak and deconditioned parent.
2. Set clear and actionable steps to work toward your desired result
- Keep it simple and clear. Success and sustainability matter to keep going.
- Example: I will walk 5 miles per week
- Example: I will prioritize protein at each meal
- Example: I will measure and portion out meals
- Example: I will make it to the gym 4 days a week
- AVOID: I will eat less sugar, I will exercise more. Those are not clear and if you want to be accountable you have to get crystal clear.
3. Reflect weekly. Figure out what is going well, what is not going well? How do you need to prepare each day or week to set yourself up for success
4. Finally, understand that your desired result will take time, commitment and patience. This is the hardest part. We have to accept that we will have great days and off days. Giving up after your off day(s) demolishes success.
You got this.
If you need accountability, make sure you are taking advantage of our monthly milestone club where we do weigh-ins and set specific goals each month.
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